8 Facts About Uruguay

1. In 1998, Uruguay exceeded its quota under international fishing regulations by catching more than 930 tons of Swordfish.

2. In 2013, Uruguay was named The Economist's Country of the Year.

3. On 15 March 2011, Uruguay became the seventh South American nation to officially recognize a Palestinian state, although there was no specification for the Palestinian state's borders as part of the recognition.

4. The United States and Uruguay have cooperated on military matters, with both countries playing significant roles in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti.

5. One of the main natural attractions in Uruguay is Punta del Este.

6. Between the years 2007 and 2009, Uruguay was the only country in the Americas that did not technically experience a recession.

7. In 2005, Uruguay was the first exporter of software in South America.

8. At the time of independence, Uruguay had an estimated population of just under 75,000.